Maurice Fitzgerald (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Maurice Fitzgerald is an Irish
sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football
with his local club St. Mary's
and divisional side South Kerry
and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county football team
from 1988 until 2001. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation.
in 1969. He was born into a family that had a strong link to football in Kerry. His father Ned was a Kerry footballer of note back in the late 1950s while his uncle, Séamus O’Connor, is the holder of a record ten South Kerry Senior Football Championship
medals.
Fitzgerald was educated at the local national school and later attended Cahersiveen CBS. It was here that his football talents were further developed and he won numerous county medals. Fitzgerald later studied at University College Cork, however, he also became a key member of the UCC football team
. In 1988 he won a coveted Sigerson Cup
medal following an 0-8 to 0-5 defeat of University College Galway in the inter-varsities series of games.
Fitzgerald currently works as a property auctioneer with Fitzgerald & O'Connor Ltd's Auctioneering firm, a family run business established in 1979.
in Cahersiveen, however, it is with divisional side South Kerry
that he has enjoyed his greatest successes at club level.
In 2004 South Kerry qualified for the final of the county football championship for the first time in twenty years. Laune Rangers
provided the opposition; however, the divisional side never looked troubled at any stage of the match. At the full-time whistle victory went to South Kerry by 1-13 to 2-5 and Fitzgerald added a county winners’ medal to his collection.
The following year South Kerry continued their domination of club football and reached the final of the county championship for the second year in succession. On this occasion Killarney
-based club Dr. Croke’s
provided the opposition. A close game developed, however, Fitzgerald’s side were to the fore once again. A 0-12 to 1-6 victory resulted in a second consecutive club winners’ medal for Fitzgerald. He also picked up the man-of-the-match award.
2006 was another successful year for Fitzgerald and for South Kerry. For the third year in succession the divisional side reached the final of the club championship. Dr. Croke’s provided the opposition for the second time in-a-row. In a low-scoring contest South Kerry retained their title giving Fitzgerald a third consecutive county winners’ medal. The game was not without incident. Fitzgerald was involved in an accidental clash with his captain Paul O'Connor, and worried supporters saw him lay still for over eight minutes before being stretchered from the field. He was immediately transferred to Kerry General Hospital, and it was later reported that he had been concussed.
In 2007 South Kerry set out on the four-in-a-row trail. All went to plan as Fitzgerald’s side reached a fourth county championship final in succession. Feale Rangers
provided the opposition. A low-scoring game followed, however, Fitzgerald’s side narrowly lost out by 1-4 to 0-6.
in 1988. It was a difficult time for Kerry as the team was adjusting to the decline of the team of the 1970s and 1980s, a team regarded as the greatest of all-time. In Fitzgerald’s debut season Kerry reached the provincial decider and faced reigning Munster title-holders Cork. The game proved to be a close affair, however, a goal for ‘the Rebels’ proved the key in securing a 1-14 to 0-16 victory. In spite of this defeat Fitzgerald’s performances in the provincial championship saw him pick up a coveted All-Star
award.
In 1989 Fitzgerald lined out in his second Munster final. Once again it was near neighbours Cork who provided the opposition. On this occasion ‘the Rebels’ had a more emphatic victory as Fitzgerald’s side lost out by 1-12 to 1-9.
1990 saw Kerry face Cork in the Munster final for the twenty-fifth successive year. It was Fitzgerald’s third provincial decider in succession. However, ‘the Rebels’ recorded a surprise 2-23 to 1-11 victory. It was ‘the Kingdom’s’ biggest ever defeat by Cork.
The following year Kerry regrouped and Fitzgerald lined out in a fourth successive Munster final. Limerick
broke the provincial duopoly and provided the opposition in the county’s first Munster final since 1965. Kerry’s point-scoring ability was just enough to counteract Limerick’s goal-scoring prowess. A 0-23 to 3-12 victory gave Fitzgerald his first Munster
winners’ medal in the senior grade. This proved to be the highlight of the year as Kerry were defeated by eventual champions Down
in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final.
In 1992 Kerry reached the Munster final for the thirty-fifth year in-a-row. The traditional provincial duopoly remained broken as minnows Clare provided the opposition. Kerry were the red-hot favourites. However, in one of the biggest shocks in the history of the championship, Clare emerged victorious by 2-10 to 0-12.
Kerry continued with their decline over the next few years when the team failed to even reach the provincial decider. In 1995 Fitzgerald lined out in his sixth Munster final, however, he had only been successful on one occasion. It was a ‘traditional’ final as Cork provided the opposition. ‘The Rebels’, however, had too much firepower for ‘the Kingdom’, and Fitzgerald’s side lost out by 0-15 to 1-9.
In 1996 Kerry regrouped under new manager Páidí Ó Sé
and Fitzgerald lined out in his seventh provincial decider. Cork provided the opposition once again, however, on this occasion Kerry were a different team. A 0-14 to 0-11 victory gave Fitzgerald his second Munster winners’ medal in the senior grade and kick-started the Kerry football revival. Kerry’s next assignment was an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Mayo. In spite of claiming the provincial title, Kerry were still not the finished article. Fitzgerald’s side were eventually defeated by 2-13 to 1-10. In spite of falling short again Fitzgerald was later presneted with a second All-Star award.
1997 saw Kerry throw down an early marker with regard to their All-Ireland ambitions. The team reached the final of the National Football League
that year with Cork providing the opposition in Páirc Uí Chaoimh
. A 3-7 to 1-8 victory gave Fitzgerald a winners’ medal in the inter-county game’s secondary competition. Later that summer Kerry reached the Munster final once again. Clare provided the opposition on this occasion; however, in spite of shocking the Kerry men five years earlier, there was no shock this time. A 1-13 to 0-11 victory saw Fitzgerald add a third Munster winners’ medal to his collection. A subsequent defeat of Cavan
saw Kerry qualify for their first All-Ireland final in eleven years. Mayo, the defeated finalists of the previous year, provided the opposition. Mayo went on a scoring spree during the match, capturing 1-2 inside two minutes. Fitzgerald was the star player for Kerry. He scored nine points throughout the game while Mayo froze and were held scoreless for the last twenty minutes. A 0-13 to 1-7 score line gave Kerry the title and gave Fitzgerald a coveted All-Ireland
winners’ medal. His performances throughout the championship and in the so-called ‘Maurice Fitzgerald final’ earned him a third All-Star award.
Kerry continued their march again in 1998 with a Munster final showdown with Tipperary
. For the third year in succession ‘the Kingdom’ proved the provincial masters, and a 0-17 to 1-10 win gave Fitzgerald a fourth Munster title. Kerry were the favourites to retain their All-Ireland title, however, a narrow 0-13 to 1-9 defeat by Kildare
in the All-Ireland semi-final brought an end to their All-Ireland quest.
In 1999 Kerry were attempting to secure a fourth provincial title in succession. Cork put an end to this dream with a 2-10 to 2-4 win over their great rivals in the Munster final. With that Kerry were dumped out of the championship.
After a low point the previous year, Kerry were back in the provincial decider again in 2000. By this stage Fitzgerald was relegated to the substitutes’ bench and was used more as an impact sub. That year he lined out in yet another Munster final, his third with Clare as opposition. Kerry walloped ‘the Banner men’ by 3-15 to 0-8. It was Fitzgerald's fifth Munster medal. Kerry had firmly established their All-Ireland contender credentials, however, the All-Ireland series proved difficult. Fitzgerald’s side drew with Armagh
in the semi-final, while the replay proved just as tense. Both sides finished level after seventy minutes once again and it took a period of extra-time to find a winner. Kerry narrowly emerged from that game as the 2-15 to 1-15 winners and booked a place in the Millennium All-Ireland final. Galway
provided the opposition in what was their second championship decider appearance in three years. In a game to forget both sides missed easy chances and seemed apprehensive about taking a lead. Galway trailed by seven points at one stage, but clawed their way back to secure a 0-14 apiece draw. The replay was a much more conclusive affair. Galway worked the ball the length of the field to Declan Meehan
who scored a goal to give the westerners a boost. A disputed free with seventeen minutes left in the game gave Kerry a lead which they would not relinquish. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the champions by 0-17 to 1-10. It was Fitzgerald’s second All-Ireland winners’ medal.
After some early season rumblings of disquiet between Fitzgerald and the Kerry management, ‘the Kingdom’ swept through the provincial series with ease again in 2001. A 0-19 to 1-13 defeat of Cork gave Fitzgerald a sixth Munster winners’ medal and gave Kerry a boost in their All-Ireland ambitions. In a new innovation called the All-Ireland qualifiers series, Kerry’s provincial victory allowed them to advance to the All-Ireland quarter-final against Dublin
. Kerry were cruising but had lost their concentration and had allowed ‘the Dubs’ to lead in the last minute. A poor kick-out resulted in a line-ball being awarded to Kerry on the 45-metre line. With Dublin manager Tommy Carr
shouting in his ear and the deafening roar of the crowd, Fitzgerald, with his first touch of the ball (he had only been introduced a few minutes earlier), kicked the ball with the outside of his boot on his bad side over the bar to level the match and force a replay. This fantastic point what has listed as one of RTÉ
’s Top 20 GAA Moments
in a 2005 poll. Kerry won the replay at Semple Stadium
giving Fitzgerald’s side the right to advance to an All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Meath
. In one of the lowest points ever for Kerry football, ‘the Kingdom’ were demolished by ‘the Royals’ on a score line of 2-14 to 0-5.
This defeat proved too much for some and Fitzgerald, tired of being confined to the bench, retired from inter-county football. In spite of this he was asked to return to the Kerry panel in 2004 at the age of 35. However, he declined Jack O'Connor's
invitation.
faced Ulster
in the final of the competition. That game was played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and a close encounter developed. Fitzgerald entered the game as a substitute, however, Munster were defeated by 1-11 to 1-8.
A lack of success for Kerry meant that it was 1994 before Fitzgerald played in his second Railway Cup final. Ulster provided the opposition once again, however, victory went to the northerners by 1-6 to 1-4.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with his local club St. Mary's
St. Mary's Cahirciveen
St Marys are a Gaelic Athletic Association Gaelic football club from town of Cahirciveen in the south of County Kerry, Ireland. They are one of the most successful teams in South Kerry having won South Kerry Senior Football Championship 28 times.-Honours:...
and divisional side South Kerry
South Kerry GAA
South Kerry are a Gaelic football and Hurling Divisional Team in County Kerry.The South Kerry Football Team draws its players from eight Club teams in the Division.These are:* St. Mary's Cahirciveen* Renard* St...
and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county football team
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
from 1988 until 2001. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation.
Biography
Maurice Fitzgerald was born near Cahersiveen, County KerryCounty Kerry
Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective...
in 1969. He was born into a family that had a strong link to football in Kerry. His father Ned was a Kerry footballer of note back in the late 1950s while his uncle, Séamus O’Connor, is the holder of a record ten South Kerry Senior Football Championship
South Kerry Senior Football Championship
The South Kerry Senior Football Championship is a Gaelic football competition between clubs affiliated to the South Kerry division. When a Divisional team like South Kerry win the Kerry Senior Football Championship, the winners of the Divisional championship chose the Kerry Senior Football team...
medals.
Fitzgerald was educated at the local national school and later attended Cahersiveen CBS. It was here that his football talents were further developed and he won numerous county medals. Fitzgerald later studied at University College Cork, however, he also became a key member of the UCC football team
UCC GAA
UCC is a football and hurling club associated with University College Cork. UCC teams play in the Cork Senior Football Championship and Cork Senior Hurling Championship as well as the two main third-level competitions namely the Sigerson Cup in football and the Fitzgibbon Cup in hurling...
. In 1988 he won a coveted Sigerson Cup
Sigerson Cup
The Sigerson Cup is the top division of Higher Education Gaelic football in Ireland, It is administrated by the Higher Education committee which is part of the Gaelic Athletic Association...
medal following an 0-8 to 0-5 defeat of University College Galway in the inter-varsities series of games.
Fitzgerald currently works as a property auctioneer with Fitzgerald & O'Connor Ltd's Auctioneering firm, a family run business established in 1979.
Club
Fitzgerald plays his club football with his local club called St. Mary’sSt. Mary's Cahirciveen
St Marys are a Gaelic Athletic Association Gaelic football club from town of Cahirciveen in the south of County Kerry, Ireland. They are one of the most successful teams in South Kerry having won South Kerry Senior Football Championship 28 times.-Honours:...
in Cahersiveen, however, it is with divisional side South Kerry
South Kerry GAA
South Kerry are a Gaelic football and Hurling Divisional Team in County Kerry.The South Kerry Football Team draws its players from eight Club teams in the Division.These are:* St. Mary's Cahirciveen* Renard* St...
that he has enjoyed his greatest successes at club level.
In 2004 South Kerry qualified for the final of the county football championship for the first time in twenty years. Laune Rangers
Laune Rangers
Laune Rangers is a Gaelic football and Hurling club based in Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland. The club is affiliated to Kerry GAA. Rangers won the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship in 1996.-History:...
provided the opposition; however, the divisional side never looked troubled at any stage of the match. At the full-time whistle victory went to South Kerry by 1-13 to 2-5 and Fitzgerald added a county winners’ medal to his collection.
The following year South Kerry continued their domination of club football and reached the final of the county championship for the second year in succession. On this occasion Killarney
Killarney
Killarney is a town in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland. The town is located north of the MacGillicuddy Reeks, on the northeastern shore of the Lough Lein/Leane which are part of Killarney National Park. The town and its surrounding region are home to St...
-based club Dr. Croke’s
Dr. Crokes
Dr Crokes is a Gaelic football club based in Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland. Famous current players include Colm "Gooch" Cooper and Eoin Brosnan....
provided the opposition. A close game developed, however, Fitzgerald’s side were to the fore once again. A 0-12 to 1-6 victory resulted in a second consecutive club winners’ medal for Fitzgerald. He also picked up the man-of-the-match award.
2006 was another successful year for Fitzgerald and for South Kerry. For the third year in succession the divisional side reached the final of the club championship. Dr. Croke’s provided the opposition for the second time in-a-row. In a low-scoring contest South Kerry retained their title giving Fitzgerald a third consecutive county winners’ medal. The game was not without incident. Fitzgerald was involved in an accidental clash with his captain Paul O'Connor, and worried supporters saw him lay still for over eight minutes before being stretchered from the field. He was immediately transferred to Kerry General Hospital, and it was later reported that he had been concussed.
In 2007 South Kerry set out on the four-in-a-row trail. All went to plan as Fitzgerald’s side reached a fourth county championship final in succession. Feale Rangers
Feale Rangers
Feale Rangers is a North Kerry Divisional Gaelic football team in Kerry. The teams involved are Clounmacon, Duagh, Finuge, Gale Rangers, Listowel Emmets, Moyvane and St...
provided the opposition. A low-scoring game followed, however, Fitzgerald’s side narrowly lost out by 1-4 to 0-6.
Senior
By this stage Fitzgerald had joined the Kerry senior football team. He made his senior championship debut in a provincial game against WaterfordWaterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
in 1988. It was a difficult time for Kerry as the team was adjusting to the decline of the team of the 1970s and 1980s, a team regarded as the greatest of all-time. In Fitzgerald’s debut season Kerry reached the provincial decider and faced reigning Munster title-holders Cork. The game proved to be a close affair, however, a goal for ‘the Rebels’ proved the key in securing a 1-14 to 0-16 victory. In spite of this defeat Fitzgerald’s performances in the provincial championship saw him pick up a coveted All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
award.
In 1989 Fitzgerald lined out in his second Munster final. Once again it was near neighbours Cork who provided the opposition. On this occasion ‘the Rebels’ had a more emphatic victory as Fitzgerald’s side lost out by 1-12 to 1-9.
1990 saw Kerry face Cork in the Munster final for the twenty-fifth successive year. It was Fitzgerald’s third provincial decider in succession. However, ‘the Rebels’ recorded a surprise 2-23 to 1-11 victory. It was ‘the Kingdom’s’ biggest ever defeat by Cork.
The following year Kerry regrouped and Fitzgerald lined out in a fourth successive Munster final. Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
broke the provincial duopoly and provided the opposition in the county’s first Munster final since 1965. Kerry’s point-scoring ability was just enough to counteract Limerick’s goal-scoring prowess. A 0-23 to 3-12 victory gave Fitzgerald his first Munster
Munster Senior Football Championship
The Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
winners’ medal in the senior grade. This proved to be the highlight of the year as Kerry were defeated by eventual champions Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final.
In 1992 Kerry reached the Munster final for the thirty-fifth year in-a-row. The traditional provincial duopoly remained broken as minnows Clare provided the opposition. Kerry were the red-hot favourites. However, in one of the biggest shocks in the history of the championship, Clare emerged victorious by 2-10 to 0-12.
Kerry continued with their decline over the next few years when the team failed to even reach the provincial decider. In 1995 Fitzgerald lined out in his sixth Munster final, however, he had only been successful on one occasion. It was a ‘traditional’ final as Cork provided the opposition. ‘The Rebels’, however, had too much firepower for ‘the Kingdom’, and Fitzgerald’s side lost out by 0-15 to 1-9.
In 1996 Kerry regrouped under new manager Páidí Ó Sé
Páidí Ó Sé
Páidí Ó Sé is a retired Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football with his local club An Ghaeltacht and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1987...
and Fitzgerald lined out in his seventh provincial decider. Cork provided the opposition once again, however, on this occasion Kerry were a different team. A 0-14 to 0-11 victory gave Fitzgerald his second Munster winners’ medal in the senior grade and kick-started the Kerry football revival. Kerry’s next assignment was an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Mayo. In spite of claiming the provincial title, Kerry were still not the finished article. Fitzgerald’s side were eventually defeated by 2-13 to 1-10. In spite of falling short again Fitzgerald was later presneted with a second All-Star award.
1997 saw Kerry throw down an early marker with regard to their All-Ireland ambitions. The team reached the final of the National Football League
National Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
that year with Cork providing the opposition in Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Páirc Uí Chaoimh is a Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in the Ballintemple area of Cork in Ireland, where major hurling and Gaelic football matches are played. It is the home of Cork GAA...
. A 3-7 to 1-8 victory gave Fitzgerald a winners’ medal in the inter-county game’s secondary competition. Later that summer Kerry reached the Munster final once again. Clare provided the opposition on this occasion; however, in spite of shocking the Kerry men five years earlier, there was no shock this time. A 1-13 to 0-11 victory saw Fitzgerald add a third Munster winners’ medal to his collection. A subsequent defeat of Cavan
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
saw Kerry qualify for their first All-Ireland final in eleven years. Mayo, the defeated finalists of the previous year, provided the opposition. Mayo went on a scoring spree during the match, capturing 1-2 inside two minutes. Fitzgerald was the star player for Kerry. He scored nine points throughout the game while Mayo froze and were held scoreless for the last twenty minutes. A 0-13 to 1-7 score line gave Kerry the title and gave Fitzgerald a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
winners’ medal. His performances throughout the championship and in the so-called ‘Maurice Fitzgerald final’ earned him a third All-Star award.
Kerry continued their march again in 1998 with a Munster final showdown with Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
. For the third year in succession ‘the Kingdom’ proved the provincial masters, and a 0-17 to 1-10 win gave Fitzgerald a fourth Munster title. Kerry were the favourites to retain their All-Ireland title, however, a narrow 0-13 to 1-9 defeat by Kildare
Kildare GAA
For more information see Kildare Senior Club Football Championship or Kildare Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Kildare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Kildare GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kildare...
in the All-Ireland semi-final brought an end to their All-Ireland quest.
In 1999 Kerry were attempting to secure a fourth provincial title in succession. Cork put an end to this dream with a 2-10 to 2-4 win over their great rivals in the Munster final. With that Kerry were dumped out of the championship.
After a low point the previous year, Kerry were back in the provincial decider again in 2000. By this stage Fitzgerald was relegated to the substitutes’ bench and was used more as an impact sub. That year he lined out in yet another Munster final, his third with Clare as opposition. Kerry walloped ‘the Banner men’ by 3-15 to 0-8. It was Fitzgerald's fifth Munster medal. Kerry had firmly established their All-Ireland contender credentials, however, the All-Ireland series proved difficult. Fitzgerald’s side drew with Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
in the semi-final, while the replay proved just as tense. Both sides finished level after seventy minutes once again and it took a period of extra-time to find a winner. Kerry narrowly emerged from that game as the 2-15 to 1-15 winners and booked a place in the Millennium All-Ireland final. Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
provided the opposition in what was their second championship decider appearance in three years. In a game to forget both sides missed easy chances and seemed apprehensive about taking a lead. Galway trailed by seven points at one stage, but clawed their way back to secure a 0-14 apiece draw. The replay was a much more conclusive affair. Galway worked the ball the length of the field to Declan Meehan
Declan Meehan
Declan Meehan is an Irish radio presenter. Currently fronting The Morning Show with local radio station East Coast FM, his career has incorporated involvement with multiple pirate radio stations and, later, Radio 2...
who scored a goal to give the westerners a boost. A disputed free with seventeen minutes left in the game gave Kerry a lead which they would not relinquish. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the champions by 0-17 to 1-10. It was Fitzgerald’s second All-Ireland winners’ medal.
After some early season rumblings of disquiet between Fitzgerald and the Kerry management, ‘the Kingdom’ swept through the provincial series with ease again in 2001. A 0-19 to 1-13 defeat of Cork gave Fitzgerald a sixth Munster winners’ medal and gave Kerry a boost in their All-Ireland ambitions. In a new innovation called the All-Ireland qualifiers series, Kerry’s provincial victory allowed them to advance to the All-Ireland quarter-final against Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
. Kerry were cruising but had lost their concentration and had allowed ‘the Dubs’ to lead in the last minute. A poor kick-out resulted in a line-ball being awarded to Kerry on the 45-metre line. With Dublin manager Tommy Carr
Tommy Carr
Tommy Carr is a former inter county Gaelic football player for Dublin. He has also managed Dublin, Roscommon and Cavan. He was awarded an all star in 1991 in the same year that he won a National Football League medal with Dublin...
shouting in his ear and the deafening roar of the crowd, Fitzgerald, with his first touch of the ball (he had only been introduced a few minutes earlier), kicked the ball with the outside of his boot on his bad side over the bar to level the match and force a replay. This fantastic point what has listed as one of RTÉ
RTE
RTÉ is the abbreviation for Raidió Teilifís Éireann, the public broadcasting service of the Republic of Ireland.RTE may also refer to:* Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 25th Prime Minister of Turkey...
’s Top 20 GAA Moments
Top 20 GAA Moments
Top 20 GAA Moments was a poll of the best moments of Gaelic football and hurling in the television era. In early 2005, the Irish public chose its favourite from 20 memorable moments from the last 40 years, as selected by ten RTÉ sports personalities and featured on the "Sunday Sport" programme...
in a 2005 poll. Kerry won the replay at Semple Stadium
Semple Stadium
Semple Stadium, located in Thurles, North Tipperary, Ireland, is the home of hurling for Tipperary GAA and for the province of Munster. It is the second largest stadium in Ireland with a capacity of 53,500....
giving Fitzgerald’s side the right to advance to an All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
. In one of the lowest points ever for Kerry football, ‘the Kingdom’ were demolished by ‘the Royals’ on a score line of 2-14 to 0-5.
This defeat proved too much for some and Fitzgerald, tired of being confined to the bench, retired from inter-county football. In spite of this he was asked to return to the Kerry panel in 2004 at the age of 35. However, he declined Jack O'Connor's
Jack O'Connor (GAA)
Jack O'Connor is an Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football with his local club Dromid Pearses from the 1970s until the early 2000s and is currently in his second term as manager of the Kerry senior inter-county team...
invitation.
Inter-provincial
Fitzgerald also lined out with his province in the inter-provincial series of games, however, he enjoyed little success. In 1989 he was listed among the substitutes when MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
faced Ulster
Ulster GAA
The Ulster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, and handball in the province of Ulster. The headquarters of the Ulster GAA is based in Armagh City....
in the final of the competition. That game was played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and a close encounter developed. Fitzgerald entered the game as a substitute, however, Munster were defeated by 1-11 to 1-8.
A lack of success for Kerry meant that it was 1994 before Fitzgerald played in his second Railway Cup final. Ulster provided the opposition once again, however, victory went to the northerners by 1-6 to 1-4.